Rodeo Competitors Take Bull By The Horns

March 8, 1996|By Debbie Manis of The Sentinel Staff

More than 245 cowboys and cowgirls from around the world, including several who have qualified for the National Finals Rodeo, will compete for big prize money during the annual Lake County Boys Ranch rodeo this weekend.

The three-day event kicks off at 7:30 tonight at the boys ranch's riding arena nestled along the edge of the Ocala National Forest near Altoona.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lake County Boys Ranch, a group home for abused, neglected and abandoned boys.

The ranch, which receives some money from the state Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, relies mostly on corporate and private donations from the community, including rodeo proceeds.

An additional $1,500 will go to any competitor who can manage a qualified ride on the infamous ''Dodge Bull.''

The event is recognized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

The following seasoned cowboys and cowgirls are scheduled to compete at the rodeo: D.R. Daniel, world champion calf roper; and Deb Greenough, Chuck Logue and Denny McClanahan, all world champion bareback riders.

Performances are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The Lake County Boys Ranch is eight miles north of Eustis, off State Road 19.

Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the gate the day of the event. Children age 12 and younger are free with each paying adult.